Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Nunez Move to Napoli | OneFootball

Liverpool Stand Firm on Nunez Valuation Amid Napoli Interest

Nunez Future in Spotlight as Transfer Talks Continue

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans remain active on both fronts, with new arrivals likely to follow the Premier League title win under Arne Slot. However, the club must also manage key outgoings. One name drawing increasing attention is Darwin Nunez. As Fabrizio Romano reported for Caught Offside, “There could be many signings for Liverpool this summer, but also for Liverpool the situation is very clear – they also need some outgoings.”

Nunez is expected to leave Anfield this summer after a mixed spell since joining from Benfica in 2022 for a potential £85 million. While moments of raw power and promise were evident, his lack of consistency, particularly under Slot, has seen him fall down the pecking order.

Now 26, the Uruguayan forward is at a career crossroads, with Serie A champions Napoli leading the chase for his signature. Talks are ongoing, but Liverpool are holding firm on their valuation.

Gap Remains Between Liverpool and Napoli

Napoli have tabled a structured offer of €43 million, with €7 million in add-ons, totalling around £43 million. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed with the player, including a five-year deal worth €5 million annually.

Still, Liverpool want closer to €65 million to sanction the deal. As Romano explained, “There is still a gap between Liverpool and Napoli and this is a significant gap as of today on the valuation of the player.”

Liverpool’s position is understandable. The club view Nunez as a high-value asset, not one to be offloaded without adequate compensation. Despite a modest return of seven goals and seven assists in 47 appearances last season, his physical attributes and goal threat remain appealing to clubs across Europe and beyond.

Saudi Interest Adds Pressure

While Napoli is the preferred destination for Nunez, Liverpool are aware of growing interest from the Saudi Pro League. Al-Nassr made an approach in January, which was rebuffed, and now Al-Hilal are reportedly monitoring the situation.

Romano added, “Let’s see what happens with more clubs in Europe and also in Saudi, who are also interested, because Darwin Nunez will be for sure one to watch in this summer’s transfer window.”

The emergence of Saudi interest could force Napoli to raise their offer or risk losing out. For Liverpool, it creates a useful dynamic, especially with reinvestment planned across multiple areas of the squad.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s System Leaves No Room for Sentiment

Arne Slot’s arrival brought a fresh approach, one that relies on structure and tactical precision in the final third. Nunez, despite his effort and work ethic, struggled to fit that system consistently. As the season progressed, he saw less game time and fewer opportunities to turn things around.

With Slot expected to build around a more fluid attacking line, players like Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota may be seen as better fits going forward. Nunez’s departure now feels like a question of when, not if.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For many Liverpool fans, the Darwin Nunez story is one of frustration and flickers of what could have been. He came with expectation, with raw attributes that drew comparisons to some of Europe’s most fearsome forwards. But the reality has been more chaotic than clinical.

Seven goals across an entire season tells its own story. The numbers are not good enough for a striker leading the line at a title-winning club. In matches where one moment decides a result, Nunez’s decision-making too often let him down.

Napoli may be a great fit. They need a striker to lead their next cycle and Serie A could offer Nunez the space and rhythm he craves. But from Liverpool’s perspective, the valuation must reflect the investment.

Letting him go for anything under £50 million would feel like poor business, especially when Saudi clubs are prepared to spend. If he moves on and flourishes elsewhere, most fans will wish him well. But few will disagree that now is the right time to part ways.